William Daniel Reisteter

Father William "Bill" Daniel Reisteter, a resident of Sacred Heart Senior Living in Saucon Valley, died on Monday, April 29, 2013 after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease.

Father Bill was the son of the late Joseph and Suzanna Reisteter of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Bethlehem Technical High School, he received his B.S. in industrial engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He received a commission in the Air Force on graduation after ROTC training there and served in the Korean War. He was employed by Bethlehem Steel Corporation at the Bethlehem and Buffalo plants.

In 1966, he made the decision to enter the Order of Friars Minor. In August of 1970, he made his solemn vows as a Franciscan Friar. In 1971 he was ordained a priest at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Bethlehem. Father Bill's first assignment was to Saint Francis Retreat House in Easton, PA working in retreat ministry. In 1982 he was elected provincial superior and moved to Holy Family Friary in Pittsburgh. Returning to Easton in 1992 as director of Saint Francis Retreat House, Father Bill began a two phase construction project to expand the retreat house. Health issues forced him to retire from active ministry but he remained in residence at Saint Francis. In 2008 he moved to Sacred Heart Senior Living in Saucon Valley.

Father Bill is survived by his brother Franciscans living throughout the world; his sister Margaret; his brother George and sister-in-law Mary; his sister-in-law Lorraine; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Agnes, Anne, Sophia and Mary and his brothers John, Joseph, Stephen and Andrew. Throughout his years of ministry and in retirement, he endeared himself to all who met him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Connell Funeral Home. Father Bill's body will be received by the Friars and family at Saint Francis Retreat House Chapel, 3918 Chipman Rd. Easton, PA 18045 at 3:00pm on Thursday, May 2, 2013. Viewing will take place from 3:00pm until 7:30pm. The funeral Mass will begin at 7:30pm. Burial will follow the next day, Friday, May 3, 2013, at 11:00am at Holy Savior Cemetery in Bethlehem, PA.

Memorial gifts may be made to: Saint Francis Retreat House; Americans with Parkinson 's Disease Association; Catholic Relief Services; Heartland Hospice; Griswold Home Care; Sacred Heart Senior Living, Saucon Valley.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Service
Thursday, May 2, 2013
3:00 PM
St. Francis Retreat House Chapel
3918 Chipman Rd.
Easton PA 18045
US

Visitation
Thursday, May 2, 2013
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
St. Francis Retreat House Chapel
3918 Chipman Rd.
Easton PA 18045
US

Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, May 2, 2013
7:30 PM
St. Francis Retreat House Chapel
3918 Chipman Rd.
Easton PA 18045
US

Burial
Friday, May 3, 2013
11:00 AM
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531